Automated generation of multiple versions of a publication

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a method for generating a publication is provided. The method includes determining a template for one or more pages of the publication. A structured document for the publication is generated where the structured document includes entry fields corresponding to the one or more addressable blocks. The structured document is then sent to one or more entities to allow users to input information for different versions of the publication. After the entities enter in information, a structured document is received from each of the plurality of entities. Information in the structured document refers to version information. A design application version of the structured document is then generated from the different structured documents received from the plurality of entities. The plurality of versions of the publication is then automatically generated.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/868,394, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORAUTOMATED GENERATION OF MULTIPLE VERSIONS OF A PUBLICATION, filed onDec. 4, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forthin full in this application for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Particular embodiments generally relate to generating multiple versionsof a publication.

For publications, such as textbooks, multiple versions may need to begenerated. For example, different states may have different regulationsthat require a publisher to generate different versions of a textbookfor each state. Multiple versions may include some content that issimilar; however, certain portions of pages may be different. Togenerate the multiple versions, a first publication may be generated.The pages of the first publication are then duplicated and used tocreate the alternate versions of the publication. The duplication of apage of the first publication is generally performed after a page of thefirst publication is finalized. The changes for the other versions arethen manually input by a user. For example, a group of page layoutprofessionals customize each duplicate page for each respective versionof the publication. Typically, the page layout professional wouldreceive a text document or handwritten notes that indicate which changesare required to transform the page of the first publication into a pagefor the alternative version. The page layout professional then manuallyupdates the page with new content. This process is very laborious andtime-consuming. Also, it also introduces the possibility of humanerrors.

The use of handwritten notes to guide the versioning process is verylaborious. Also, the number of page layout professionals needed tocreate alternative versions increases with the number of versions thatare desired. In addition, duplicating each page of a publication manytimes makes it difficult to track global changes. Mistakes can be verycostly, in terms of time and effort, if they are not discovered early inthe versioning process. Also, if many professionals work on the variousversions, each resulting version can have a different flavor of changes,i.e., not all of the versions of the publication are generated in thesame way because each professional has his or her own style. Thestylistic differences among professionals also can cause problems whenthe pages of the publication are updated in the future. For example,when an error is found, the error may exist only in a few of theversions, which makes finding, tracking, and then correcting the errormore difficult.

SUMMARY

Particular embodiments generally relate to an automated publishingsystem configured to generate multiple versions of a publication.

In one embodiment, a method for generating a publication is provided.The method includes determining a template for one or more pages of thepublication. A structured document for the publication is generatedwhere the structured document includes entry fields corresponding to theone or more addressable blocks. For example, the structured document mayinclude a spreadsheet that allows a user to input information forcontent that should be included in the publication. The structureddocument is then sent to one or more entities to allow users to inputinformation for different versions of the publication.

After the entities enter in information, a structured document isreceived from each of the plurality of entities. For example, differentstructured documents are received for different versions of thepublication. Information in the structured document refers to versioninformation. For example, the version information may be images, text,etc. that should be used to customize pages of the specific version. Adesign application version of the structured document is then generatedfrom the different structured documents received from the plurality ofentities. The design application version is compatible with a designapplication that is used to generate the publication. The plurality ofversions of the publication are then automatically generated. Apublication is generated using the template and the design applicationversion for one of the plurality of entities using version informationincluded in the structured document. Base content that is the samethroughout the versions is added to each version's customized page tocreate all of the versions automatically.

The above process is an automated version publishing system thatgenerates all versions of the publication. The versions may be generatedquickly and ensures that base content in various versions is consistent.In addition, other versions may be produced as desired and can becreated at low cost and quickly. Control of the production of multipleversions of the publication is centralized and can be easily managed.

A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of particularembodiments disclosed herein may be realized by reference of theremaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified system for creating multiple versions of apublication according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified flowchart of a method for generatingtemplates according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified flowchart of a method for creating thestructured document according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a structured document according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a simplified flowchart of a method for generating a pagefor a version according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a simplified flow chart of a method for generating a pagefor a version according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts an example of a template according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a finished page for a version according toone embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a more detailed example of a version generator accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts an example of multiple versions of the publicationaccording to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An automated publishing system centralizes content data storage andmanagement so that multiple versions of a publication can be generatedefficiently and quickly. The automated versioning publishing systemprovides that all versions of the publication can be generated quicklyand ensures that the content in the various versions is consistent. Inaddition, the system provides that additional versions, as desired, canbe created at low cost and quickly, also using the same automatedprocessing. Control of the production of multiple versions of apublication is centralized, for example, within a central processorincluding a server which can be communicatively coupled to a pluralityof remote content suppliers, and therefore easily managed.

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified system 100 for creating multiple versions ofa publication according to one embodiment. System 100 includes apublication generator 102, one or more user devices 104, and a network106.

Publication generator 102 is configured to automatically generatepublications. For example, textbooks, books, manuscripts, catalogs,direct mail, web pages, or any type of document with a defined layout.Publication generator 102 may be part of a computing device, such as aserver, personal computer, work station, distributed computing system,etc.

A version generator 108 is configured to generate multiple versions of apublication. A version of the publication may be where differentversions may include some content that differs between versions. Somecontent, referred to as base content, may be similar in each version.However, certain content, referred to as version information, may bedifferent in each version. For example, for a textbook, different statesmay have different regulations or requirements thus requiring differentstate-specific information that needs to be included in different statetextbooks. The state-specific information may be added to the basecontent to create a version for a state.

As will be discussed in more detail below, a structured document may begenerated to allow users to input version information for each differentversion. In one example, a structured document may be sent to differententities for the different versions. An entity may include any business,user, organization, or other group that is responsible for creating aversion of the publication. For example, if the State of Georgia willproduce a first version, then a structured document for Georgia may besent to a first entity. Also, a second structured document for the Stateof California may be sent to a second entity. For discussion purposes,the structured document will be discussed as being sent to a user;however, it will be understood that multiple users may receive and inputinformation for the structured document.

In one example, publication generator 102 may communicate with userdevices 104 through network 106. Entities, such as multiple users, mayuse the user devices 104 to provide input to the structured document. Inone example, the structured document may be a spreadsheet that includesa number of structures, such as tables or columns. In other embodiments,the structured document may be accessed through a web interface. In thiscase, the interface may be web-based spreadsheet or include otherweb-based structures. The user may be able to input version informationinto the structured document. The version information may include atext, icons, images, file name, parameter information, comments, or anyother information needed to generate the versions. A folder structuremay also be included in the structured document that is used to storethe version information, such as the images. Once the structureddocument has been filled in by the user, it may be sent back topublication generator 102.

Publication generator 102 is then configured to generate multipleversions of publication. The multiple versions are generatedautomatically. As will be discussed in more detail below, the differentstructured documents may be merged together and converted to a designapplication format. For example, the design application format may be aformat that is compatible with a design application that is used byversion generator 108. In one example, the application may include anAdobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator,Framemaker application, or any program with which a page or graphic canbe designed. Version generator 108 is then configured to use a templategenerated for the publication to automatically generate pages for thedifferent versions. For example, different layouts and content aregenerated for a page based on the version information inputted into thestructured document.

The process of generating the versions of publication will be describedin more detail below. The process is neutral to any document markuplanguage, such as XML; therefore it can work with or without XML or anyparticular markup. First, templates for the publication may begenerated. The template may include instructions and/or codescorresponding to the version information to be placed on a particularpage. The codes may be used to match version information entered in by auser using a structured document to be blocked on the page and is alsoused to apply stylistic formatting to the version information accordingto the version of the page in which the content is being placed.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified flowchart 200 of a method for generatingtemplates according to one embodiment. Step 202 receives content for thepublication. The content may include base content that may be includedin each of the multiple versions. The base content may be received fromvarious sources.

Step 204 determines a page in the publication of which multiple versionsmay be generated. In one example, for each page of a publication forwhich multiple versions are to be generated, base content may bedetermined.

Step 206 defines a block area in which version information may be addedby users. The blocks may be associated with codes that identify theblocks on the page. These codes may follow a specific naming conventionthat uniquely identifies the block area and fields in the structureddocument are associated with codes to identify the block area in whichversion information entered by user is associated.

Step 208 determines a template for a block associated with the code. Thetemplate may include the base content and encoded block areas. Thetemplate may include the base content or white space where the basecontent can be added later. When the version information is laterreceived, it may be inserted into the appropriate block areas of thetemplate to produce the versioned page.

The template may be associated with information that allows thestructured document to be used to create the versioned page. Forexample, the location and/or size of the blocks on the page aredetermined. The location and size may be different for differentversions. When the version information is inputted into the structureddocument, it can be inserted into the template using the location andsize.

Step 210 determines if additional blocks need to be processed. Forexample, a page may have multiple blocks in which version informationshould be inserted. If there are other blocks, the process reiterates tostep 206.

If there are no more blocks, step 212 generates a structured documentfor the template. For example, codes for the blocks may be associatedwith fields in a table structure, such as columns in a spreadsheetdocument. Also, other identification information for the template may beadded to the structured document, such as identifiers (e.g., the pagenumber, the version identifier (ID), chapter ID, Section ID, unit ID).This will guide a user in inputting version information into thestructured document. The process of generating the structured documentwill be described in more detail below.

Step 214 determines if another page in the publication will includemultiple versions. For example, a second page of the publication mayhave multiple versions that need to be processed. If so, the processreiterates to step 204 where another page is determined. Anothertemplate may be generated for the additional page. Also, information forthe template may be added to the already created structured document ora new structured document may be created. If no other pages are includedin the publication, the process ends.

The process of generating the structured document will be described inmore detail. The structured document may be a content input program,which may be a document that includes instructions that allow versioninformation to be automatically associated with the blocks in thetemplate to generate a version of the page. For example, codes may beused in the structured document in addition to macros, softwareinstructions, or other program elements to identify and process theversion information.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified flowchart 300 of a method for creating thestructured document according to one embodiment. Step 302 determinesstructures in the structured document. The structures may includecolumns in which version information can be input. Also, the structuresmay be portions of a web page. The structures allow a user to inputinformation for the version information. For example, entry boxes areincluded in the structures. The structured document may also include afolder structure. The folder structure may be used to store versioninformation, such as icons, text, images, or other content.

Step 304 associates a code with input areas in the structured document.For example, certain entry boxes may be associated with a code. The codemay correspond to a block area in the template in which versioninformation referred to in the input area would be inserted. Forexample, the code may be a type of version information, such as a stateicon type. When information is entered for a state icon, the templateblock associated with the state icon can be determined and the versioninformation inserted in that template block.

Step 306 inserts reference information into the structured document. Thereference information may include reference information that would guidea user in determining which version information to input. For example,the page number of each version of the publication and any identifiers,such as unit, chapter, section, or other page information may beinserted into the structured document. Also, instructions on what shouldbe input may be placed in the structured document.

Step 308 generates the structured document for each version of thepublication. The structured document may also include generating afolder structure that would store the content. For example, a user mayenter in a reference, such as a file name, for version information thatis stored in the folder structure. The folder structure may alsoorganize information in a structure that is compatible with a designapplication that will be used to generate the publication. The folderstructure may also include the correct naming convention for the designapplication. For example, the design application may need to read fileswith a certain extension, such as <filename.designapplication>. If a URLis used, the version information may be retrieved from a web page inwhich the URL refers.

Step 310 sends the structured document to each entity associated with adifferent version of the publication. The entities may then inputversion information into the structured document. When each userreceives the structured document, the user can enter in the versioninformation that the entity desires. For example, for the State ofGeorgia, different version information may be entered in for a page thatis different from version information for the State of California. If aspreadsheet document or web interface is used, the user would enter indifferent version information in entry boxes in the structured document.The version information entered in may include a reference to thecontent, such as a URL, file name, etc. The version information may alsobe stored in the folder structure of the structured document. Forexample, all version information for a page may be stored in a folder,such as text, icons, images, or other content. When this process isfinished, the entity may send the structured document back topublication generator 102. Publication generator 102 may then create thedifferent versions of the publication when all structured documents havebeen received.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a structured document shown in an interface400 according to one embodiment. As shown, the structured documentincludes a plurality of columns 402. Some columns may include referenceinformation that may indicate to the user which version information isdesired. For example, the unit, chapter, section, and page columnsdescribe where in the publication the version information may beinserted. Also, the page type and citation show the type of page and ifa citation is needed.

The file name column allows the user to specify the file name for theversion information that may be input. Also, the State column showswhich version the row may be associated with. Although State ismentioned, it will be understood that versions other than States may beprovided. The HTML column is a reference to where the content is stored.For example, a uniform resource locator (URL) indicates where thecontent can be retrieved from the WorldWide Web. The structured documentcan contain selective content, e.g. URLs, which will only show up oncertain type of output, e.g. embedded links in PDF. The URL may alsopoint to content that is ultimately added to the versioned page. Forexample, the URL is used to retrieve content at a location referenced bythe URL and the content is inserted in the versioned page.

Also, a filename can be used to reference version information that isstored in the folder structure. The notes column may also be used byuser to enter in notes that guide any manual steps that need to betaken, such as proofreading the version generated.

Any version information may be stored in a folder structure (not shown).The online, database-linked submission of documents/manuscripts by userscan be date-time tracked. This may be useful for project management. Forexample, the submissions can be compared against the planned timeline,thus allowing monitoring of progress in terms of ‘actual vs. plan’;this, in turn, generates early and late status for tasks, andnotifications to the individuals responsible, and their managers, thatthe work is early or late. The submission of version information can bedone in parallel, and can be processed in parallel (eliminating need formultiple staff members to monitor and track submissions). This may bedifferent if extensible markup language (XML) or other markup language.XML requires a document type definition to be used that is specific toXML. However, the structured document may be used to create any type ofmarkup language or other code. This is because the structured documentis used to create the design application language version. The versioninformation is agnostic of any format associated with the designapplication language.

A user can input information in the structured document in the entryboxes where required. In one embodiment, the structured document is in aform that is familiar to a user and easy to use. For example, the usercan type in references to version information, such as file names, URLs,etc. This can be done in a spreadsheet that is easy for a user to use.Also, the web interface may allow for a user to enter in values. Theease of use of the structured document differs from having a user createcode for a design application. Typically, the format needed for input toa design application is in a language that is unfamiliar to a user, suchas JavaScript or C code may need to be written. Using the structureddocument, users can easily input information to allow for versions to beautomatically generated.

The generation of a version of the publication may not begin until allthe necessary content is available for creating a page. However, thegathering of the version information for the version of the publicationmay be performed in parallel. For example, writers can write amanuscript, artists can create images, and other acts may be performedto determine version information for the structured document. Thestructured document may be used to input the version information andcoordinate the writing, preparation, design, and production that can beperformed in parallel. The finished structured document may then be sentto version generator 108 to allow for the version to be completed. Thus,the version generation requires machine-to-machine interaction andeliminates machine-to-person interaction. When there ismachine-to-machine interaction, the process can be automated, whereasmachine-to-person interaction may be a manual process. Thus, thegathering of the version information may be performed in parallel, butonce the structured document has been finalized, the version may beautomatically generated.

FIG. 5 depicts a simplified flowchart 500 of a method for generating apage for a version according to one embodiment. Step 502 receives aplurality of structured documents. For example, a structured documentfor each version may be received. The information in each structureddocument may be verified. For example, version generator 102 may verifythat the file names or lengths of files are valid and refer to versioninformation in the folder structure. If the structured document does notinclude valid information, it may be automatically or manually fixed.For example, the links or references may be fixed.

Step 504 merges the plurality of structured documents into a masterstructured document. Although the merge is performed, it will beunderstood that merging structured documents into a master structureddocument may not be necessary. However, merging the structured documentsinto a master structured document may provide advantages because asingle document may be input into a design application.

Step 506 then generates a design application version of the structureddocument that is compatible with a design application. For example, thestructured document may be in a format that is easy for a user to inputinformation into. However, the format required by the design applicationmay not facilitate easy input for the user. For example, the versioncompatible with the design application may be a JavaScript or C program.It may be easier for a user to input information into a spreadsheetrather than writing JavaScript or C code. Version generator 108 isconfigured to automatically convert the structured document into aversion compatible design application. Commands in the structureddocument are translated into the design application format. For example,page type is a type of page and box type defines one of the structuretypes that can go on the page. These types are used to determine a blockon the templates. For example, the code of box type may be a state icon.This is used to determine a block in the template that is associatedwith the state icon code. The design application version may be code fora version page that will be generated if the code is inputted into thedesign application.

Step 508 generates pages for each version based on a template associatedwith each page. For example, the version information associated with astructured document may be merged into the template for a page. Thecodes for each block on the page may be used to determine the versioninformation to be inserted into the page. This process may be performedfor each page of the version. For example, the correct images and textmay be inserted into the blocks to create a version of a page. In otherembodiments, a shell is created by a layout professional. The shellincludes the base content while the template includes the addressableblocks. The template includes information that allows the shell to becompleted using the version information. Once the version information isreceived, the template is used to insert the version information intothe shell to produce a page for the version. In one example, the designapplication code that is generated in step 506 is input into the designapplication to automatically generate the versioned pages. This processis described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 depicts a simplified flow chart 600 of a method for generating apage for a version according to one embodiment. Step 602 determinesversion information for a version. For example, this may be an icon,text, or other version-specific information. Version generator 108 mayuse the structured document to determine the version information thatshould be inserted into the page. For example, an entry box in thestructured document may be parsed to determine a reference to a file inthe folder structure.

Step 604 retrieves the version information. For example, versiongenerator 108 uses the reference to retrieve the version informationthat is stored in the folder structure. For example, the file nameand/or link may be used to determine the version information. Also,version generator 108 may retrieve the version information directly fromthe structured document if it is stored in the structured document. Inone embodiment, all version information for a page may be retrieved foreach version.

Step 606 opens a template for a page. The template may be the same foreach version of a page. FIG. 7 depicts an example of a templateaccording to one embodiment. As shown, a template 700 includes basecontent 702. Base content 702 includes content that is included in eachversion. Also, template 700 includes blocks 704 in which versioninformation may be inserted.

Referring back to FIG. 6, step 608 determines a code associated with theversion information. For example, an entry box in the structureddocument may have been associated with a code, such as state icon. Thiscode is then used to identify a block 704 in template 700. Step 610determines a block 704 in template 700 and then inserts the versioninformation into template 700 in block 704. For example, image or textmay be inserted into template 700. The version information for eachversion may be inserted into template 700 to generate a versioned pageat this step.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a finished page for a version according toone embodiment. As shown, version information has been inserted in ablock 804-1. This includes text and images. Further, other versioninformation has been inserted in block 804-2, and 804-3. For example,icons for the state have been inserted in blocks 804-2 and 804-3. TheURL for entry box 409 is used to retrieve content (e.g., a state icon).The state icon is then inserted into the version page. However, basecontent 702 remains the same for each version.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an output for multiple versions according toone embodiment. Three versions of a first page 1002 and three versionsof a second page 1004 are shown. The −1 pages are a version for Georgia,the −2 pages are pages for Pennsylvania, and the −3 pages for pages forIllinois.

First pages 1002 contain the same base content 1006. However, differentfirst pages 1002 contain different version content. For example, adifferent icon 1008 is included on pages 1002-1, 1002-2, and 1002-3.Referring to FIG. 4, version information in the structured document isused to create the different icons 1008. In row 406, the state icon forGeorgia is referenced by a URL 408 in entry box 409. This URL mayinclude a .jpeg of the icon. Also, the box type of state icon is used todetermine what the version information is. In entry boxes 410 and 412,the state icon for Pennsylvania and Illinois are referenced by URLs 414and 416. This URL may include a .jpeg of the icon.

By inputting the version in formation in the entry boxes, versiongenerator 108 can automatically generate the different versions of thepage. The entry boxes are associated with codes that refer to thetemplate. This allows version generator 108 to insert versioninformation into the template.

After all the pages or some of the pages have been generated, theversion of the publication may be proofed. The proof may be manually orautomatically performed. If any changes are needed, they may beautomatically or manually performed.

In some cases, missing tasks may be kept track of for content that isnot ready for insertion into a template to form a page. The structureddocument stores the version information, which may be ‘chunks’ ofcontent (text, image references or file names, PDF references, PDFreferences). If the user entered all version information that isnecessary to produce the page into the structured document, each elementof the version information is identified immediately, and up front, withits final assigned name (this could be a meaningful name, or just asequence number; but it is permanent). This means that when the page iscreated, one knows exactly what it should be named. A naming conventionmay be used for the structured document. For example, exact namingconventions refer to required images, pdfs, photographs; these are finalnames which do not change during the process. If the final name is notknown, then a temporary name can be applied, and a placeholder imageused (labeled ‘Missing Image’), which is to be replaced by a final nameand image when it becomes available. Temporary names follow particularnaming convention and are stored in a separate list, or data table. Whenthe final image becomes available, the status is changed in the lookuptable, and all instances of the placeholder image sought out andreplaced, wherever they are in the production process (prior to finalrelease). No final release occurs when there are placeholder imagesremaining in a document

A missing task may be created as a placeholder for the content when itis available. For example, any missing item is automatically placed on atask list (for copy writing, image gathering, whether customphotography, stock art or photographs, or vendor-supplied (e.g.,National Geographic, Pepsi, etc.), art and logos). And the designapplication knows when it is available, so it replace the placeholderfor the ‘missing element’ with the actual element (whether text, image,file, URL, or pointer). This list of ‘missing elements’ is equivalent toa list of ‘missing tasks’. The list of missing tasks decreases as themissing content is created, entered, or found one-by-one and when thereare no more missing elements, there are no more missing tasks.

Particular embodiments reduce the time for creating a version page of apublication, such as the 30 seconds per page. The version information isplaced in the correct location on a page of the version each time, andall pages of various versions include the same consistent base content.Information concerning all versions of a publication is included in acentralized storage location and content inserted into the pages of thepublication may be in a searchable form. Particular embodiments allowversion information to be gathered in parallel. However, in oneembodiment, production of the versions may be performed once all versioninformation has been received. This allows the machine-to-machineautomated process of generating the versions. By having the versioninformation before beginning production: this allows immediate, full,and distributed completion of the page to take place, includingderivative products (PDF, HTML, etc.). Also, subsidiary products(versioned pdf's, HTML, jpeg) can be created using a supplementary,follow-on process after pages are composed. That is, a multiple pagedocument can be created from the versioned page. Also, although notnecessary, complete gathering of content before start of productionallows the manufacturing process is scalable, distributable over timeand space. For example, different version generators 108 may createversioned publications. In one example, different version generators 108can create different versions as desired.

FIG. 9 depicts a more detailed example of version generator 108according to one embodiment. A structured document receiver 902 receivesstructured documents from a plurality of entities. A structured documentmerger 904 merges the structured documents into a single masterstructured document.

A converter 906 is configured to convert the master structured documentinto a design application format. For example, a JavaScript file may begenerated. A design application 908 may then be used to generate theversions of the publication. A template determiner 910 may determine atemplate for each page and inputs the template into design application908. Design application 908 may then process the version of the masterstructured document using the templates to generate pages for theversions of the publication. The outputted pages of the publication maybe electronic document (e.g., PDF, hypertext transfer markup language(HTML), jpegs, extensible markup language (XML)), a printed document,tagged markup document, extensible markup language (XML) document,multi-layered application files, printable files/documents, databasefiles, or web linked pdfs. The output can be directed to multipleproducts simultaneously (either in parallel, or in sequence butautomated).

Although the description has been described with respect to particularembodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are merelyillustrative, and not restrictive. Although publications are described,it will be understood that other text-based items may be created usingparticular embodiments.

Any suitable programming language can be used to implement the routinesof particular embodiments including C, C++, Java, assembly language,etc. Different programming techniques can be employed such as proceduralor object oriented. The routines can execute on a single processingdevice or multiple processors. Although the steps, operations, orcomputations may be presented in a specific order, this order may bechanged in different particular embodiments. In some particularembodiments, multiple steps shown as sequential in this specificationcan be performed at the same time. The sequence of operations describedherein can be interrupted, suspended, or otherwise controlled by anotherprocess, such as an operating system, kernel, etc. The routines canoperate in an operating system environment or as stand-alone routinesoccupying all, or a substantial part, of the system processing.Functions can be performed in hardware, software, or a combination ofboth. Unless otherwise stated, functions may also be performed manually,in whole or in part.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of particular embodiments. One skilled in the relevant artwill recognize, however, that a particular embodiment can be practicedwithout one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus,systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or thelike. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoidobscuring aspects of particular embodiments.

A “computer-readable medium” for purposes of particular embodiments maybe any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, ortransport the program for use by or in connection with the instructionexecution system, apparatus, system, or device. The computer readablemedium can be, by way of example only but not by limitation, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor system, apparatus, system, device, propagation medium, orcomputer memory.

Particular embodiments can be implemented in the form of control logicin software or hardware or a combination of both. The control logic,when executed by one or more processors, may be operable to perform thatwhich is described in particular embodiments.

A “processor” or “process” includes any human, hardware and/or softwaresystem, mechanism or component that processes data, signals, or otherinformation. A processor can include a system with a general-purposecentral processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuitryfor achieving functionality, or other systems. Processing need not belimited to a geographic location, or have temporal limitations. Forexample, a processor can perform its functions in “real time,”“offline,” in a “batch mode,” etc. Portions of processing can beperformed at different times and at different locations, by different(or the same) processing systems.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, “a specific embodiment”, or “particular embodiment” meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the particular embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment and not necessarily in all particular embodiments. Thus,respective appearances of the phrases “in a particular embodiment”, “inan embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in anysuitable manner with one or more other particular embodiments. It is tobe understood that other variations and modifications of the particularembodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light ofthe teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit andscope.

Particular embodiments may be implemented by using a programmed generalpurpose digital computer, by using application specific integratedcircuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays,optical, chemical, biological, quantum or nanoengineered systems,components and mechanisms may be used. In general, the functions ofparticular embodiments can be achieved by any means as is known in theart. Distributed, networked systems, components, and/or circuits can beused. Communication, or transfer, of data may be wired, wireless, or byany other means.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certaincases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. It isalso within the spirit and scope to implement a program or code that canbe stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to performany of the methods described above.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein isgenerally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated.Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as beingnoted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability toseparate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated particular embodiments,including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosedherein. While specific particular embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope, asthose skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. Asindicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention inlight of the foregoing description of illustrated particular embodimentsand are to be included within the spirit and scope.

Thus, while the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoingdisclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances somefeatures of particular embodiments will be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope andspirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit. Itis intended that the invention not be limited to the particular termsused in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include any and all particular embodiments andequivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for generating a publication, the method comprising:generating a template for one or more pages, the template including oneor more address sable blocks; receiving base content, wherein the basecontent is content that remains the same for different versions of thepublication; generating at least one structured document for thepublication, each structured document including one or more entry fieldscorresponding to the one or more addressable blocks, wherein eachstructured document includes or refers to version information in the oneor more entry fields, and wherein the version information is contentthat is different for different versions of the publication; receiving aplurality of structured documents, wherein each structured document isreceived from each of two or more entities; merging the plurality ofstructured documents into a master structured document; generating adesign application version of the structured document from each of thetwo or more entities, the design application version compatible with adesign application; and automatically generating a plurality of versionsof the publication using the design application, wherein the generatingof the plurality of versions of the publication is performed after themerging the plurality of structured documents from the two or moreentities into the master structured document, wherein each version ofthe publication is generated using the template, the base content, andversion information included in or referred to in at least onestructured document received from the two or more of the entities, theversion information inserted based on the one or more addressable blocksin a page of the version based on the one or more codes associated withthe one or more entry fields; displaying the plurality of versions ofthe publication on one page, wherein the page includes a plurality ofsections, wherein the sections include the same base content, whereineach section is associated with a different version, wherein eachversion is associated with a different entity of the two or moreentities, wherein each section includes different version informationthat corresponds to a different entity, and wherein after all pages ofthe publication have been generated, the pages are changeable if needed;and after generating a structured document that includes a first page ofthe publication with multiple versions: determining if a second page ofthe publication is to include one or more versions; generating atemplate for the second page; and adding version information for thetemplate for the second page to one of a structured document that isalready created or a new structured document that is generated for thetemplate for the second page.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising sending the structured document to the two or more entitiesof a plurality of entities, wherein each entity of the plurality ofentities is remote, and wherein each entity represents a differentgeographic region.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least onestructured document includes a reference to the version information,wherein the reference is used to retrieve the version information togenerate a version of the publication, wherein the reference is auniform resource locator (URL), and wherein each section is configuredto receive an input that includes a URL, wherein each URL referencesversion information to be inserted into a corresponding section.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein a plurality of pages are created for aplurality of versions using the template and different structureddocuments.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending thestructured document to a plurality of entities to allow each entity toinput version-specific information.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising merging the plurality of structured documents into a masterstructured document for input into the design application.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: generating a list of missing taskscorresponding to version information that is missing from a page; anddetermining a page is ready for output when the list of missing taskshas been completed.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the page for theversion is created using base content that is similar for each of theversions, and wherein each of the versions includes different versioninformation.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determiningan entry field including version information referred to or included inthe entry field; determining a code associated with the entry field;determining an addressable block in the template associated with theentry field; and inserting the version information in the page for theversion based on the addressable block.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising retrieving the version information from a folderstructure or another source based on a reference included in the entryfield.
 11. A method comprising: outputting a structured document forcreating multiple versions of a publication, the structured documentincluding entry areas for input regarding version information used tocreate a version in the multiple versions of the publicationautomatically, wherein the version information is content that isdifferent for different versions of the publication; receiving an inputfor each entry area in the structured document, receiving a plurality ofstructured documents, wherein each structured document is received fromeach of two or more entities; merging the plurality of structureddocuments into a master structured document; generating a designapplication version of the structured document from each of the two ormore entities, the design application version compatible with a designapplication; automatically generating a plurality of versions of thepublication using the design application, wherein the generating of theplurality of versions of the publication is performed after the mergingthe plurality of structured documents from the two or more entities intoa master structured document; displaying a plurality of versions of thepublication on one page, wherein the page includes a plurality ofsections, wherein the sections include a same base content, wherein eachsection is associated with a different version, wherein each version isassociated with a different entity of the two or more entities, whereineach section includes different version information that corresponds toa different entity, and wherein after all pages of the publication havebeen generated, the pages are changeable if needed; and after generatinga structured document that includes a first page of the publication withmultiple versions: determining if a second page of the publication is toinclude one or more versions; generating a template for the second page;and adding version information for the template for the second page toone of a structured document that is already created or a new structureddocument that is generated for the template for the second page.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the structured document comprises a code,wherein the code is associated with the entry area, the code indicatinga location in the version of the publication to insert the content. 13.A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising softwareencoded in one or more tangible media for execution by the one or moreprocessors and when executed operable to: generate a template for one ormore pages, the template including one or more address sable blocks;receive base content, wherein the base content is content that remainsthe same for different versions of the publication; generate at leastone structured document for the publication, each structured documentincluding one or more entry fields corresponding to the one or moreaddressable blocks, wherein each structured document includes or refersto version information in the one or more entry fields, and wherein theversion information is content that is different for different versionsof the publication; receive a structured document from each of two ormore entities; generate a design application version of the structureddocument from each of the two or more entities, the design applicationversion compatible with a design application; automatically generate aplurality of versions of the publication using the design application,wherein the generating of the plurality of versions of the publicationis performed after the merging the plurality of structured documentsinto from the two or more entities a master structured document, whereineach version of the publication is generated using the template, thebase content, and version information included in or referred to in atleast one structured document received from the two more of theentities, the version information inserted based on the one or moreaddressable blocks in a page of the version based on the one or morecodes associated with the one or more entry fields; display theplurality of versions of the publication on one page, wherein the pageincludes a plurality of sections, wherein the sections include the samebase content, wherein each section is associated with a differentversion, wherein each version is associated with a different entity ofthe two or more entities, and wherein each section includes differentversion information that corresponds to a different entity, and whereinafter all pages of the publication have been generated, the pages arechangeable if needed; and after generating a structured document thatincludes a first page of the publication with multiple versions:determine if a second page of the publication is to include one or moreversions; generate a template for the second page; and add versioninformation for the template for the second page to one of a structureddocument that is already created or a new structured document that isgenerated for the template for the second page.
 14. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the at least one structureddocument includes a folder structure configured to store the versioninformation.
 15. The computer readable storage medium of claim 13,wherein the at least one structured document includes a reference to theversion information, and wherein the reference is used to retrieve theversion information to generate a version of the publication.
 16. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein a plurality ofpages are created for a plurality of versions using the template anddifferent structured documents.
 17. The computer readable storage mediumof claim 13, wherein the software is further operable to: generate alist of missing tasks corresponding to version information that ismissing from a page; and determine a page is ready for output when thelist of missing tasks has been completed.
 18. The computer readablestorage medium of claim 13, wherein the page for the version is createdusing base content that is similar for each of the versions, and whereineach of the versions includes different version information.
 19. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the software isfurther operable to: determine an entry field including versioninformation referred to or included in the entry field; determine a codeassociated with the entry field; determine an addressable block in thetemplate associated with the entry field; and insert the versioninformation in the page for the version based on the addressable block.20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein thesoftware is further operable to retrieve the version information from afolder structure or another source based on a reference included in theentry field.